By Jean Malanum
MANILA – After four seasons with PLDT, opposite spiker Erika Santos is starting a new chapter in her volleyball journey as she officially signed with the Cignal HD Spikers ahead of the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season.
The 24-year-old former De La Salle University standout is the fourth free agent pickup by Cignal, joining the ranks of Tin Tiamzon, Heather Guino-o, and Ethan Arce.
“Very thankful and grateful I am now for Coach Shaq (Delos Santos) and all of the Cignal HD Spikers management. I hope I can bring that I showed this past season here and I’m also looking to improve more under our coaches and trainers here,” she said on Saturday.
“Even though it’s still a red uniform, it’s a new chapter in my career now so I’m looking forward to it and helping this team reach the heights they really want, which is the PVL championship.”
Cignal is reinforcing its core, bannered by Alas Pilipinas stars Dawn Catindig, Vanie Gandler, and rising star Ishie Lalongisip.
Santos, who turned pro in 2022, played for PLDT for four seasons. She ranked 17th overall in scoring in the 2024-2025 All-Filipino Conference with 161 points.
Santos also placed sixth among all opposite spikers in total points and ranked sixth in spiking efficiency with a 32.84 percent success rate.
PVL draft deadline
Meanwhile, young and aspiring volleyball players have until May 23 to submit their applications for the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft.
Applicants must fill out the official draft form available at http://pvl.ph/draft and email the completed form with all required documents to draft@pvl.ph.
To be eligible, applicants must be female at birth, as proven by a birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority, and at least 21 years old by Dec. 31, 2025. Those younger than 21 may still apply if they have already earned a college degree. Collegiate experience or academic units are not required.
Filipino-foreign players must present a valid Philippine passport or proof of release by the May 23 deadline.
Players competing in collegiate leagues must provide endorsements from their college coach or athletic director.
The initial list of PVL Draft applicants will showcase their skills in front of team coaches during a two-day Draft Combine on May 30-31.
The final list of eligible draftees will be announced on June 4, paving the way for the highly anticipated PVL Rookie Draft on June 8. (PNA)
